Kavita Krishnamurthy Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Songs & Achievements
Introduction
Kavita Krishnamurthy is one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, admired for her powerful, melodious, and versatile voice. With a career spanning over four decades, she has sung in more than 16 languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, and English. Known for iconic hits like Hawa Hawai, Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast, Aaj Main Upar, and Bole Chudiyan, Kavita has established herself as one of the leading female voices of Indian cinema. She is also recognized for her classical grounding and live performances around the world.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Sharada Krishnamurthy (popularly known as Kavita Krishnamurthy)
- Date of Birth: 25 January 1958
- Birthplace: New Delhi, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Playback Singer, Live Performer
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Spouse: Dr. L. Subramaniam (violin maestro, married in 1999)
- Children (Step): From Dr. Subramaniam’s previous marriage
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 65 kg
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Kavita was born into a Tamil Iyer family in New Delhi. From a young age, she was drawn to music and trained in Indian classical music under gurus like Balram Puri in Delhi. Later, she was guided by playback singer Hemant Kumar, who introduced her to the film industry.
While studying at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, Kavita was introduced to the legendary composer R. D. Burman, which paved the way for her playback career.
Musical Journey & Career Highlights
Early Career
Kavita started with advertising jingles and small playback roles in the late 1970s. Her first major hit was “Kaahe Ko Byaahi Bides” in Jaag Utha Insaan (1984).
Rise to Stardom
Her breakthrough came in the late 1980s and 1990s with back-to-back hits across various genres.
Iconic Bollywood Songs
- Hawa Hawai (Mr. India, 1987)
- Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast (Mohra, 1994, duet with Udit Narayan)
- Aaj Main Upar (Khamoshi: The Musical, 1996)
- Pyar Hua Chupke Se (1942: A Love Story, 1994)
- Mera Piya Ghar Aaya (Yaraana, 1995)
- Bole Chudiyan (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, 2001)
Classical & Regional Music
Apart from Bollywood, Kavita is equally respected in Carnatic and Hindustani classical music. She has performed devotional songs, bhajans, and ghazals and recorded extensively in regional languages.
International Collaborations
After her marriage to violin maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam, she collaborated with him on numerous international music projects, blending Indian classical with Western symphony.
Awards & Achievements
- Padma Shri (2005) – India’s fourth-highest civilian honor.
- Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer (1995, 1996, 1997, 2003).
- National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer (1994) – Kuch Kuch Kaha (1942: A Love Story).
- State honors from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka for contribution to regional music.
Personal Life
In 1999, Kavita married Dr. L. Subramaniam, an internationally acclaimed violinist and composer. She has since divided her time between playback singing, classical concerts, and global fusion projects alongside her husband.
Legacy & Influence
Kavita Krishnamurthy is celebrated as one of India’s most versatile playback singers. Known for her ability to switch between classical, romantic, devotional, and dance numbers, she redefined female playback singing in the 1990s. Her collaborations with top composers like R. D. Burman, A. R. Rahman, Anu Malik, and Jatin-Lalit have given Bollywood some of its most iconic tracks. Today, she is not only a playback legend but also an ambassador of Indian music worldwide.
FAQs
1. What was Kavita Krishnamurthy’s first Bollywood hit?
Kaahe Ko Byaahi Bides from Jaag Utha Insaan (1984).
2. Which is Kavita Krishnamurthy’s most iconic song?
Hawa Hawai from Mr. India (1987).
3. Has Kavita Krishnamurthy won a Padma award?
Yes, the Padma Shri in 2005.
4. Is Kavita Krishnamurthy married?
Yes, to violin maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam.
5. In how many languages has she sung?
Over 16 Indian and international languages.
